Layers of the Mind

There’s something I want to say today to you, and honestly, to myself:

It’s okay if you’re doing everything “right” reading the books, learning the science, trying to stay calm and it’s still hard. Parenting a pre-teen can feel like being emotionally hit over and over again without time to recover. And when you’re also trying to heal your past, go to school, and show up in relationships… it’s no wonder your body feels heavy some days.

It’s okay if you’re tired.

This Isn’t Laziness — It’s Emotional Exhaustion

Psychology has given me language for what I’m feeling lately: emotional fatigue. It’s the kind of tired that doesn’t go away with a nap. It comes from constantly managing not only your child’s feelings but your own. From trying to stay regulated while being screamed at. From holding space for everyone when you’re not even sure where your own space is.

And here’s the truth I’m learning (the hard way): even self-aware, well-intentioned, therapeutic parents hit walls.

You Don’t Have to Fix Everything Today

Sometimes I feel like if I don’t fix this now this pattern, this behavior, this reaction — I’ll mess her up forever. That fear drives me to over-function, over-analyze, and sometimes even freeze.

But the more I study psychology, the more I’m reminded: growth takes time. Brains don’t rewire overnight. Safety is built in small moments, not grand speeches.

So today, instead of fixing everything, I’m giving

myself permission to rest.

A Note to You

If you’re showing up at all even imperfectly, you’re doing something beautiful.

You’re trying.

You’re learning.

You’re still here

And that’s enough for today.

“You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.”— Unknown